Huntsville Daily: Everything Going On Today (Sat, Dec 18)

Hello, neighbors! It's me again, Contributing Writer, your host of the Huntsville Daily.

First, today's weather:

Cloudy, a heavy t-storm; mild. High: 68 Low: 38.

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Here are the top stories in Huntsville today:

1. Madison County principal spreads Christmas cheer during drop-off (whnt.com)
2. Early Christmas gift at Midtown Elementary has SRO riding around on "trike" - The Madison Record (themadisonrecord.com)
3. "Breakfast with Santa" hosted by Bob Jones Competition Cheer to be held Saturday morning - The Madison Record (themadisonrecord.com)
4. CHRISTMAS MAGIC: Stepping inside Noble Passage during the Christmas season is magical - The Madison Record (themadisonrecord.com)
5. Madison County Virtual Academy sees significant growth, success this school year (WAFF)
6. City of Huntsville approves contract for new City Hall and parking deck (WHNT News 19)
7. 5 cool things to do in Huntsville this weekend, Dec. 17 - 19 (AL.com)
8. UNA, Drake State Community and Technical College Sign Learning Agreement | (quadcitiesdaily.com)
9. Flames Close Pre-Christmas Schedule Against Alabama-Huntsville (The Chattanoogan)
10. Meet Huntsville Hospital's 'coping canines', Asteroid and Orbit! (WZDX)
11. City of Huntsville finalizes redistricting plan (WHNT News 19)
12. Omicron in Alabama has state health leaders on high alert (WAAY)
13. Catalyst Center opens nominations for '2022 Entrepreneur Awards' - The Madison Record (themadisonrecord.com)
14. Dr. Nichols: Expect increased police presence at Madison schools on Friday - The Madison Record (themadisonrecord.com)
15. Tennessee Valley school districts address social media threat challenge (WZDX)
16. Week of Joy with Toyota Alabama and WAAY 31: Fantasy Playhouse (WAAY)
17. Emergency crews respond to bike vs. car crash in Huntsville (WAFF)
18. Hazel Green High students pack the halls with Christmas spirit, purchase gifts for those in need (WAAY)
19. Celebrate Christmas at Mars Music Hall with Rivertree Church (WAFF)
20. After a year of administering COVID-19 vaccines, Huntsville Hospital doctors say pandemic is ‘far from over’ (WHNT News 19)
21. Give Better campaign spotlights best ways to help Huntsville's homeless (WAAY)
22. Pay increases for Limestone County subs | News (News Courier)
23. Huntsville International Airport to receive over $4 million from infrastructure law - The Madison Record (themadisonrecord.com)
24. Calhoun Community College and Lockheed Martin partner to fulfill aerospace employment gap - The Madison Record (themadisonrecord.com)
25. Connecting North Alabama: The Salvation Army of Huntsville (WAAY)
26. Part of the proceeds from Outback's opening day in Town Madison will be donated to Operation Homefront - The Madison Record (themadisonrecord.com)
27. Limestone Ledger for 12/16/21 | Community (News Courier)
28. Additional police in place as officials investigate social media threat to Grissom High School (WHNT News 19)
29. Arrest reports for 12/16/21 | Arrest Reports (News Courier)
30. LCHS XC competes in Huntsville | Sports (Moulton Advertiser)

Today in Huntsville:

From my notebook:

• This Is Alabama: "A pleasant ramble through Old Town Helena’s beautiful Buck Creek Thanks, @wkeeper1117, for sharing this unique view from Shelby County! #thisisalabama" (Instagram)
• This Is Alabama: "Neverending clouds hanging over the Iron City This otherworldly view was captured by David Youngblood (@dyoungblood71). Thanks, David, for sharing this amazing photo from Birmingham! #thisisalabama" (Instagram)
• This Is Alabama: "The Vulcan is looking so festive! Make sure to take a walk through these enchanting lights during your next visit. Thanks, @curtdanner_photography, for sharing this wonderful holiday view from the Iron City! #thisisalabama" (Instagram)
• This Is Alabama: "Dozens of tree trunks wrapped in colorful crocheted blankets are scattered across the front yard of artist Jan Shade Beach’s house in Harvest, AL. She started the unique Christmas tradition years ago after visiting New York City and sa..." (Instagram)
• This Is Alabama: "Have you walked through downtown Scottsboro lately? It’s especially lovely during the holidays. Thanks, @mainstreetscottsboro, for sharing this festive view from Jackson County! #thisisalabama" (Instagram)
• This Is Alabama: "There's nothing like a bayou sunrise. Thanks, @bradboland, for sharing this peaceful morning view from Mobile County! #thisisalabama" (Instagram)
• This Is Alabama: "A winding walk through Ebenezer Swamp is never amiss. The ecological preserve is home to incredible sycamore and Tupelo gum trees, a rare species of coneflower, and a myriad of wildlife. Thanks, @rebmakla, for sharing this unique view ..." (Instagram)
• Huntsville Police Department: "On Friday, Mayor Battle swore in 19 new Huntsville Police officers. These men and women have completed our 19-week academy and are starting their field training this week! " (Facebook)
• This Is Alabama: "Devil's Den Falls is one of the state’s most secluded waterfalls. Hidden away in the Talladega National Forest in Cheaha State Park, this amazing waterfall is absolutely worth the hike. Thanks, @dhender919, for sharing this wonderful n..." (Instagram)
• Sweet Home Alabama: "The Birmingham Botanical Gardens has a tree stunning assembled of 300 poinsettias! A perfect holiday photo opportunity awaits! ❤⁣ ⁣ : @enjoyinglifewithphotography⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣..." (Instagram)
• Huntsville Police Department: "The North Alabama HIDTA Drug Task Force (NADTF) recently seized 8.9 pounds of cocaine. The approximate street value of the cocaine is $400,000. Stefann Vargas Tavares, Brian Trinidad, Yandwin Miguel Corniel and Javier Molina all from New..." (Facebook)
• Huntsville Botanical Garden: "Did you get engaged over the holiday like Justin and Tori?⠀ Don't forget the Garden has some beautiful venue choices!" (Instagram)
• Huntsville Police Department: "Officer Eric Freeman was a beloved son, father to five children, brother and husband. He was shot responding to an automobile accident with his partner on Bailey Cove Road on December 14, 2007. As the officers arrived to the call, they l..." (Facebook)
• Decatur Police Department Alabama: "Our prayers go out to the deputy and his family as he continues to recover." (Facebook)
• Huntsville Police Department: "Seven police officers from departments in Alabama and across the country recently joined HPD. They bring invaluable experience from their previous law enforcement positions, and we are thrilled to have them join us here in Huntsville!" (Facebook)
• Downtown Huntsville, Inc.: "We're gearing up for our Friday Night Art Walk TOMORROW NIGHT! Enjoy the lights of Tinsel Trail, support local businesses and get those last minute gifts, and grab dinner at one of the food trucks present! Presented by @ProgressBank VE..." (Instagram)
• Decatur Police Department Alabama: "On August 7, 2019, Alan Devon Ross was convicted of a sex crime in South Carolina, subjecting him to the Sex Offender Registration Notification Act (SORNA). Ross, 54, of Decatur, is subjected to the full requirements of an adult sex offe..." (Facebook)
• Huntsville Ballet: "THANK YOU, HUNTSVILLE! Our final curtain at our final show of “The Nutcracker.” Finishing the weekend off with a sellout—with all other shows just short of sellout—this was the biggest Nutcracker in our history. After having to cancel la..." (Instagram)
• Decatur City Schools - Alabama: "Good news report: Tamera Lowe-Preer, Teacher In Residence, is transferring from West Decatur Elementary to Assistant Principal at Austin Junior High/Austin Middle Schools. Her transfer is effective January 3, 2022. Congratulations!" (Facebook)
• Alabama Theatre: "This is how we feel when we find out that our customers have been purchasing third party - often counterfeit- tickets to our events... when there are still tickets available! We ONLY sell tickets through Ticketmaster. If you go to our we..." (Instagram)
• Huntsville, Alabama - Lost Dogs, Cats & Pets: "Please spread the word! Bear was LOST on December 14, 2021 in New Market, AL 35761 near Pine Dr & Bell Factory Message from Owner: We are missing our beloved Bear. He is very inquisitive and playful. We are all worried about him terribly..." (Facebook)
• City of Huntsville, Alabama: "On Friday, Dec. 10, Mayor Battle swore in 19 new Huntsville Police officers. These men and women have completed a 19-week academy and are starting their field training this week. Congrats!" (Instagram)
• Huntsville, Alabama - Lost Dogs, Cats & Pets: "Please spread the word! Beau was LOST on December 12, 2021 in Huntsville, AL 35805 near arli gron Rd NW Message from Owner: Beau never strays from . Please help me find him. Missing since before sunrise today, Dec 13. Description: 11YO n..." (Facebook)
• Decatur Police Department Alabama: "HELP IDENTIFY: On December 11, 2021, the Decatur Police Department responded to Family Dollar, located at 1838 6th Avenue SE, in reference to a robbery. Officers determined a man entered the store and demanded money from the clerk before..." (Facebook)
• Huntsville Botanical Garden: "Have you heard of Military Mondays? Receive $5 off at the gate every Monday during Driving Nights (with your Military ID)! Enjoy this time with friends and family." (Instagram)
• Huntsville Botanical Garden: "Did you get engaged over the holiday like Justin and Tori? Don't forget the Garden has some beautiful venue choices! https://buff.ly/3hLkeLg #hsvgarden" (Facebook)
• City of Huntsville, Alabama - Government: "Please join us in remembering Officer Freeman and the ultimate sacrifice he made to protect and serve." (Facebook)
• Huntsville, Alabama - Lost Dogs, Cats & Pets: "Please spread the word so we can find this pet's family! FOUND on December 15, 2021 in Huntsville, AL 35811 near Brevard and Riverside landing Message from Finder: Very sweet dog. Ran right up to me and my dog. Description: Black and whi..." (Facebook)
• Greater Huntsville Humane Society (GHHS): "Our hearts are bursting with love and joy for the 5 animals that went to their FURever homes last week " (Facebook)
• City of Huntsville, Alabama - Government: "Alabama Public Health announces the Omicron variant has been confirmed in our state. Please continue to be vigilant by wearing your mask, getting vaccinated and practicing good hand hygiene. Have a healthy, safe holiday season! " (Facebook)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Triana Village: "Found this little girl on Village Dr. - She seems like a puppy, super playful and energetic. Please lmk if she belongs to you" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Alderbrook: "Anyone missing their cat? - Found today around 6:00pm in Alderbrook." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Knight Rd Sw: "My Quaker bird “Crispin” has been lost since September 11th. - He is not chipped or anything but he is missing one of his nails and says a couple words in Spanish. If anyone has him or has seen him please let me know! 2566034453" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Mastin Lake Rd/Pulaski Pike: "My dryer has stopped tumbling. - It probably needs a new belt but I'm physically unable to make this repair. So far I've called Mr. Appliance and there was no answer and no voice mail. I called Ms. Tish and left a voice mail. I called ..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Knight Rd Sw: "Thank you to the woman who found my dog! - He is a black pit and the sweetest boy and my mom met you and got him back, I hope you see this and know how grateful I am!!" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Skinner: "WOW! - The Walmart located off of Airport Road has ton's of ammo!!! I saw 9mm, 308, 22 LR, 12 and 20 gauge ammo. The only draw back is finding an associate who has access to the 'keys.' I bought some 20 gauge ammo for < then $25.00 a box..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Ashley Acres: "Flyer I got in the mail about a new neighbor in Ashley Acres. 757 Baltimore Hill Rd. - Flyer I got in the mail about a new neighbor in Ashley Acres. 757 Baltimore Hill Rd. I get these when a sexual offender moves into my neighborhood. P..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Merrimack Mill Village: "Hey Neighbors - Hope everyone is staying warm this winter. Im just checking in and reminding everyone that as the owner of a tree removal company that I’m able to help with all your winter tree needs. We trim, stump grind and remove deb..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Five Points: "Loose dog with collar that may be nursing pups. - Running down Ward just now. No interest in being caught :(" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Whitesburg: "Hello neighbors! - A woman in my complex has decided to dump her two indoor cats outside and has completely stopped caring for them. I took them in so they wouldn’t freeze or get attacked. Unfortunately, I cannot keep them as I already h..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Farley: "Where can I get some Cole slaw for Christmas dinner? - I don't want the vinegar slaw, I want the creamy slaw. Or a recipe will be good. I'm disabled and I've been asked to bring slaw." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Willowbrook: "I am moving and the place I am moving to will not allow me to take my dog with me. - Is there anyone willing to take him and take good care of him so I do not have to send him to the pound?" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Chapman Mountain: "Missing dog got out of yard today. - His name is Charlie" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Wesleys Place: "Madison County Noise Ordnance. - For those that are interested. Dog barking 24/7 or all night would apply and the County Sheriff would be the answer to who you should call. Madison County Noise Ordinance (madisoncountyal.gov) ..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, North Parkway: "Does anyone know of a good, honest, reputable body shop in Huntsville? - My car got whacked..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Mayfair: "Everybody welcome! - They make an Europian deserts." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Hillwood Estates: "NUA and the $5 Billion Roth IRA ?! - It’s decision time! And none of us are Peter Thiel or his Peter-friendly Roth IRA. But if you’re lucky enough and willing enough to want to escape your 401(k) relatively unscathed, then by all means..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Bel Air: "House cleaning. - Big Spring Cleaning. 15 years in the cleaning biz. Free over the phone cleaning consult. I can design a specific cleaning regimen to fit your needs. Jody Strickland 619-573-5718. Get clean and stay clean." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Lake Forest: "Does anyone know who this is? - My kids have come to tell me that there's a guy outside our windows a few times but I've never been able to see him myself so I could say something to him. We're the last house, but instead of walking to t..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Hollow: "Lost bully with clip ears brendle stripes and white bully dog with clipped ears male down town of the north side - Lost bully with clip ears brendle stripes and white bully dog with clipped ears male down town north side of Huntsville ..." (Nextdoor)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll see you soon.

— Contributing Writer

About me: Test test Update 7/21/21